SAFETY / UPPER MISSISSPPI RIVER / HAZARD / SEC OV BNM 0399-24 /
THE U. S. COAST GUARD COTP OHIO VALLEY HAS ISSUED THIS SAFETY ADVISORY DUE TO EXTREME HIGH WATER ON THE UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER FROM MM 43 TO 46. THIS ADVISORY WILL REMAIN IN EFFECT UNTIL EXTREME HIGH RIVER STAGES SUBSIDE BY FALLING BELOW 33 FEET ON THE CAPE GIRARDEAU GAUGE. IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT VESSELS DO NOT MEET, PASS, OR OVERTAKE IN THIS LOCATION AND DOWN BOUND TOWS SHOULD NOT EXCEED 140 FEET WIDE DURING THE NIGHTTIME HOURS OF 8:30 PM TO 5:30 AM. RED FLAG BARGES SHOULD BE PLACED IN A PROTECTED LOCATION IN THE TOW WITH A MINIMUM OF 240 HP PER BARGE. VESSELS MAY EXPERIENCE SET WHILE NAVIGATING GRAYS POINT AND THE CHANNEL SPAN OF THE THEBES RAILROAD BRIDGE. USE EXTREME CAUTION DUE TO POTENTIAL OUTDRAFTS, KEEP A SHARP LOOKOUT, AND REPORT NAVIGATIONAL HAZARDS TO THE COAST GUARD IMMEDIATELY VIA VHF-FM CHANNEL 16 OR AT 800-253-7465. PROACTIVE RISK MITIGATION STRATEGIES AND FUTURE TRIP PLANNING ARE KEY FACTORS IN NAVIGATING SAFELY IN HIGH WATER CONDITIONS. IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT ALL VESSELS AVOID LAYING UP ON LEVEES AND ASSESS BRIDGE CLEARANCES WELL IN ADVANCE.
